senility

American  

[si-nil-i-tee] / sɪˈnɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the state of being senile, especially the weakness or mental infirmity of old age.

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Etymology

Origin of senility

First recorded in 1770–80; senile + -ity

Compare meaning

How does senility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dementia vs. senility

Explanation

Senility refers to mental deterioration that often comes with old age, as in severe memory problems. If you find your shoes in the fridge or accidentally call your son by the dog's name, you may wonder if senility is kicking in. Senility is related to the word senile, which itself is from the Latin word senilis, meaning "old age." There are subtle differences between senility and Alzheimer's disease, which causes memory loss as well as emotional and behavioral changes. If you suspect someone you care about is experiencing senility or Alzheimer's disease, you should consult a physician because treatments may be available to help slow the process.